U.S. Westward Expansion Quiz

What was the primary purpose of the Oregon Trail?

• To find gold

• To trade with Native American tribes

• To facilitate westward migration

• To establish military forts

Which president oversaw the Louisiana Purchase?

• George Washington

• Thomas Jefferson

• Abraham Lincoln

• Andrew Jackson

What year did the California Gold Rush begin?

• 1829

• 1848

• 1861

• 1899

What does the term "Manifest Destiny" mean?

• The belief in the inevitable expansion of the U.S. to the Pacific Ocean

• The destiny of Americans to travel westward for gold

• The fate of Native Americans as settlers moved west

• The American dream of owning land

What did the Homestead Act of 1862 provide to settlers?

• Free passage to the West

• Military protection from Native Americans

• 160 acres of free land

• Gold mining rights

What was the main purpose of the Transcontinental Railroad?

• To transport gold from California

• To connect the East Coast with the West Coast

• To move troops during the Civil War

• To explore new territories

Who led the expedition to explore the Louisiana Purchase?

• Daniel Boone

• Lewis and Clark

• Sacagawea

• Davy Crockett

How did Sacagawea contribute to the Lewis and Clark expedition?

• As a guide and interpreter

• As a soldier

• As a cartographer

• As a diplomat

What was one result of the Mexican-American War?

• The U.S. gained control of Texas

• The U.S. purchased Alaska

• The U.S. acquired territories including California and New Mexico

• The U.S. lost control of Florida

When did the Homestead Act become law?

• 1776

• 1820

• 1862

• 1901